Section 1. Introduction

1.1 Purposes and Objectives

Releases of oil and hazardous materials are regulated separately under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA). However, both mandate the development of contingency plans, and there is significant overlap in the type and scope of information required to do so. In order to minimize confusion and maximize resources, the two contingency plans are combined in this document as an Integrated Contingency Plan (RCP/ACP). In order to meet some of the requirements of OPA, subarea plans are developed separately, but will be referenced in this RCP/ACP.

to minimize damage resulting from releases of oil or hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants.

The plan describes response protocols and assists in providing a coordinated response capability in the event of a release or spill that poses a threat to the environment or to human health and welfare.

The initial actions taken by the OSC and/or other appropriate personnel should be to determine whether proper response actions have already been initiated. In general, if the party or parties responsible for the release or spill do not take appropriate actions, or if the party or parties responsible for the release or spill are unknown, the local response community or State agencies will become involved. If Federal assistance is requested or required, the OSC shall respond, implement provisions of the NCP and applicable agency guidance, and coordinate activities as outlined in this RCP/ACP.